Kennesaw State nursing graduates earn their professional certifications at a faster rate than the national average, according to data gathered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in 2017.
According to KSU News, 97 percent of KSU nursing graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination on their first attempt. In comparison, only 87 percent of candidates nationwide passed on their first attempt.
The NCSBN developed the NCL exam to test the competency of nursing school graduates in the U.S. and to see if they are prepared for entry-level practice, according to the NCSBN’s website.
“Our faculty strive to consistently provide varied clinical experiences and clinical decision-making practice to help students prepare for the exam,” said Rebecca Shabo, interim associate director of undergraduate programs and associate professor in the WellStar School of Nursing. “Most importantly, our students are excited about beginning their nursing career and they work hard to prepare themselves for this challenge.”
The WellStar school receives about 500 to 800 applications per semester, and only 84 students are accepted for the traditional bachelor’s degree program — only 44 are usually accepted for the accelerated BSN. According to the KSU WellStar College website, the WellStar School of Nursing is the largest nursing program in north Georgia.
According to the goals listed on its website: “The WellStar School of Nursing at Kennesaw State University functions to provide programs of high quality in undergraduate and graduate nursing education, support an environment conducive to personal and professional growth, scholarship, and creative activity, and demonstrate leadership in providing service and professional practice within the university and the community.”
According to the website, students applying for the traditional program must have an active application file or be currently enrolled and have been enrolled within the last three semesters. They must also complete an application on Owl Express as well as at least seven of the 12 prerequisite courses, five of which must be math and science requirements, prior to applying.
All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 as well as C or better in the prerequisite courses and major requirements. They must also complete an entrance exam and score at least a 78.
